Director, EH&S

Purpose

The Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is a senior position responsible for leading and managing the organization’s EHS strategy, including ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, and fostering a culture of EHS excellence, and environmental stewardship. This role will oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies, programs, and initiatives that protect employees, communities, and the environment.

The position requires strategic vision and hands-on implementation. They work closely with various functions, facilities and geographies to monitor current and emerging operational risks, performance trends, and EHS competencies to deliver strong EHS performance. The Director EHS will report directly to the Vice President, Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability and is a key part of a functional leadership team that is responsible for supporting senior leadership in the areas of safety, environment, security, crisis management, and sustainability.

Job Description (Duties and Responsibilities)

• Lead a team of EHS professionals that is focused on providing direct support to the business in the areas of EHS data analytics, safety, and environmental compliance and stewardship.
• Lead development of an EHS strategy that is aligned with company objectives, with an emphasis on culture and engagement, robust management systems, risk reduction and resource conservation.
• Drive successful integration of the LECO EHS management system, which includes Corporate EHS policies, Directives, internal standards, training, metrics and data systems, and any other applicable EHS management system elements or certifications (e.g. ISO) into relevant business processes.
• Ensure compliance with country, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA) at Lincoln Electric’s approximately 70 manufacturing and commercial locations.
• Lead an EHS governance program, which includes EHS audits, acquisition and property transaction due diligence, and tracking key performance indicators and targets.
• Maintain EHS digital platforms that communicate real-time performance and predict emerging challenges.
• Build and develop a global EHS staff that has the skills, competencies and abilities to meet the current and future needs of the company.
• Coach both operational leaders and site EHS teams in the areas of domain expertise.
• Manage relationships with regulatory agencies, external auditors, and community stakeholders.

• Represent the Company within relevant industry and trade associations, professional organizations and community/partner councils on EHS topics relevant to the Company.
• Lead by example to develop an EHS culture of excellence through effective communication with business stakeholders and visible and impactful EHS leadership in the operations.

Basic Requirements

• Minimum education: BS in Safety Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Preferred education: MS in Safety Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CSP, CIH, CHMM) are a plus.
• At least 10 years or more of progressive EHS experience, including leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of EHS regulations and standards (e.g. ISO 14001, ISO 45001).
• Experience working in a global and matrixed organization with the ability to work with many different cultures and languages.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated through interactions with teams, business leaders, governmental agencies and third parties.
• Strong leadership/management skills, including high integrity and business acumen.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels of the organization.
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently to manage numerous matters and competing priorities effectively.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability.